Kayin (Karen) State is on elongated area lying to the south-east running from the north-west to the south-east. The total area of the State is 11,731 square miles. Besides Kayins who are the majority, the Mons, Myanmars, Taungthus and Shans live in Kayin State. The Kayins are the second largest minority in Myanmar. There are two types of Kayin the hill Kayins and the plain Kayins. And they differ in language and physical features. There are animists, Buddhists and Christians among Kayins but the majority are Buddhists. The Kayins have their own letters, literature and culture.

There are many Kayin cultural activities worshipping the Duway Pagoda, propagating Nat spirit paying homage to etcetera deities traditional boom fire festival are held since old time till today. On such occasion, Kayin Don dance is performed. Don dance originated from the collected social activities. Kayins love Don dance. Don dance provoke communal unity and cultivate sense of corporation. Don dance is the naional cultural performance portraying the beauty and love sign of Kayins. It’s long last as one of Kayins traditional dances. see photos of Karen State